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Relocation.

At least that's what the Ventaar called it. They had made it clear everyone was to be moved with no choices or debates allowed. No one really protested unless you counted the few brave souls who grumbled under their breath when they thought no one would hear. He couldn't blame them for that really. Everyone was being asked to leave their home's, their jobs, their lives behind with only a promise of a better future to give them hope. To start over in a still under construction super city. A place few had seen and no one knew much about. After the war everyone had clung to the idea that life could go on like normal. This relocation proved that change was inevitable for everyone no matter where they lived. Really, it might be for the best as this town had been slowly dying for years before the invasion. Thousands used to live here and that was down to hundreds. Maybe this new life would be for the best.

“You ready Adam?"

His neighbor Paul stood in the doorway. A stout man with old tattoos sticking out from under his shirt sleeves and his signature trucker hat perched on his head. Hiding the bald spot that lurked underneath with thin brown hair surrounding it.

“Yeah, ready as I will ever be." Standing up he brushed hands over his pants and glanced around his still furnished home. The aliens had said that every home would be processed and the things inside shipped to them at a later date. Only one large suitcase maximum could be brought with them. He picked up that single suitcase and headed to the door.

Paul gave his head a shake and adjusted his hat, “Fucking hell. I still cant believe this is happening. The fuck gives them the right to do this?"

Adam smirked, “Been over this one a dozen times. Owning the planet gives them the right. Doesn't matter if we don't like it, it's just the way it is."

“Yeah, yeah." Paul rubbed his chin and stepped back out of the door with Adam. “Look, sorry if I'm a ass today. Think this shit is finally getting to me."

“No need for any of that. It's getting to all of us." He fiddled with the keys to his door. “I hated this place right up until I realized I was going to lose it. Now I just want to get back to my crappy job and stay in my crappy house."

Paul frowned, “Just feel like we should do something. I don't like I'm just rolling over like a beat dog and giving them whatever they want."

Adam laughed a bit and nodded, “Me too but somehow I don't think shouting and waving protest signs will work on the lizards. We roll with the punches, survive and rebuild in our new home. Just like we talked about before when we found out about this deal. Right?"

Paul flashed a smile, “Alright, alright, fine! You fucking optimist."

“Someone's gotta be." The door locked he tucked the keys back into his pocket. “Any sign of the lizard ship? Was supposed to be here by now."

“Yeah, woke me up last night. Big gusts of wind and crap. Looked outside and saw it through the clouds in the moonlight. Just take a look its right there." He inclined his head back up the road.

Adam turned to look and sucked in a breath at the sight of it. “Jeeeeesus."

In the distance he could see the top part of a ship looming over the towns collection of building, trees and hills. Sharply angled sides along its lengthy hull. It was dark, almost black with a long red lines along the sides. The lines trailed back to a series of aliens symbols circling the rear of the craft. Those symbols further decorated with deep golden outlines.

Paul rubbed his stubbly chin, “Yep. According to the nerd what we can see is like, um, think he said roughly fifteen hundred feet long."

Adam set his suitcase down and cupped his face. Rubbing thumbs against his temples a moment, “Well shit. I was ok till now and please promise me if we see James at all you wont call him a nerd in front of the aliens."

“Sorry! Just, with the glasses and the tape he looks-" Paul paused at Adams stare, “Right! Not a nerd. Just James. Got it."

“Good. Where's Melissa?"

“Already there with everyone else. You're the last one far as I can tell. A few idiots decided to try and drive out on their own. Who knows what happened to them."

“Who knows but I gotta feeling they didn't get far. Knowing the Ventaar they probably assigned them to some work detail to earn their way out of whatever fines were levied on them. Its what were always being fed on TV at any rate." He picked up his suitcase again. “Lets go."

Down they went to Paul's old truck where he set his luggage in the back and hoped into the passenger seat. Paul got the heap going and they drove past familiar places for the last time all of which were now devoid of life. The place would become a ghost town overnight but wouldn't remain that way for long. The Ventaar had assigned this whole area to a massive reforestation project. All evidence of this place would be torn away and left for mother nature to reclaim.

Wasn't long before they reached the gathering point. A place near the edge of town that had been cleared a while back for apartments that had never managed to be built. The roads had even been paved and a few foundations put down but that was as far as things got. Right now those roads had piles of cars parked along them and in various empty lots. The people of the town talking in groups and visiting one another as they too seemed to struggle with today's reality. Paul slowed and gestured to their right where Melissa's van sat in one of those lots with the sliding door open. Melissa sitting in a folding lawn chair beside it reading a book like this was just any other day. Paul gave a tap on the horn to get her attention and she waved in reply. Paul pulled up tp park in an empty spot and Adam hopped out the moment they stopped.

“Hey, Melissa. Guess even an alien spaceship can't distract you."

“Yeah, no. I have been trying to read this page for ten minutes now. Just not happening. I can't tell if I'm excited or terrified. Come grab a chair and pretend to be cool and collected with me."

Melissa had on her usual jeans and plain t-shirt. A lanky figure with pale skin that never seemed to hold a tan. She had often joked she would only burn and peel no matter what she tried. Glasses perched atop her nose and her head coated in straight blond hair she had cut short. Those blue eyes of hers striking as always.

“I think that's just about everyone's plan." Paul left the key in the truck and grabbed the luggage. Heading over to join them as Adam pulled a couple more folding chairs from the van and set them up.

“Yeah, the whole last weeks been that way. Felt like an idiot going to work and doing the same crap knowing it wasn't worth much."

Melissa shrugged. “Its better than running around panicked liked some people. Remember the Johnsons babbling about the devil coming before throwing everything into that stupid suburban of theirs and speeding off? He even took his fucking mail box!"

Paul broke into a laugh. “I still got the recording of that! Was fantastic! I'm sure the lizards had a great time dealing with those nut jobs. I almost feel sorry for them." He stopped by the van and peered inside, “Got anything to drink?"

Melissa smirked at the question. “Really? A spaceship right there and you want a drink?"

“Says the one trying to read a book! Besides, I'm thirsty!" Paul called back, now leaning into the van.

A shake of his head as Adam commented. “Yeah, probably best not too. Do you really want to be doing the pee dance on an alien ship? I'm sure they have restrooms and things that we can use but its probably best just to wait."

Melissa laughed. “Oh that's right! Forgot about Mr nervous bladder here. Should be some spare waters still rolling around in the back. Go for it!“

Paul pulled his head out of the van, “Oh no, no, no! I don't even want to think about how horrible that would be."

“Yeah." Adam commented then paused to gave Paul a suspicious look. “You didn't eat chili or something stupid like that last night did you?"

Paul froze for a moment. Saying slowly, “I might have."

“Oh man this is going to be great!" Melissa seemed in heaven now. “You passing gas like crazy. I wonder what the punishment is for grossing out a lizard?"

Adam had to get in on this.. “Maybe they will decide he's an endless source of gas and take him away?"

Paul groaned. “Guys! Sheesh. I'm nervous enough. Fuck I didn't think about eating light last night."

Melissa's voice softened. “Ah, don't worry about it. I'm sure the aliens eat bad things and get gas too. Also, ummm, hate to say it but looks like they are here."

Following Melissa's gaze he looked out to the main street and couldn't miss what had her attention. Gliding down the road were a line of vehicles each longer than a school bus. The vehicles a combination of gray and black with the corners sharply angled. What could only be a turret of some kind sat atop the vehicle near the front. The short thick barrels of its weapons had been turned to face backwards. Red and gold markings coated the side of the vehicles near the back similar to the spaceship. The sight made eerie by the complete lack of sound as the vehicles moved swiftly down the road hovering a few feet off the ground.

Melissa let out a long breath. “Yeah, so those look a lot more intimidating in reality than they did in the pictures. I am allowed to be terrified now?"

Adam watching the vehicles as he struggled to find something to say. “Nothing to be scared of. It's just a bunch of aliens trying to load us onto their spaceship for forced relocation."

Melissa smacked his arm, “That is so not helping!"

Adam rubbed his arm and managed a smile. “Sorry. Alright, lets get our asses up front so we can make sure they have a spot for all of us on a single transport. I don't want us split up."

Suitcases gathered as Adam took the lead. Moving slowly through the gathering crowd to get towards the front of the pack. The vehicles slowed as they came near and finally glided to a stop before them. Well over a dozen of them were in single file and for a second they just hovered there before lowering to the ground. Settling on struts that slid out from the bottom of the vehicles.

A voice broadcast from the lead vehicle. “Good morning humans. Your cooperation in this relocation effort is much appreciated. We promise to move you as swiftly to your new home as possible. Our personnel will be disembarking the transports in a moment. It is our understanding that most of you have not seen us in person so we ask that you try to remain calm. We will work with you as best we can to mitigate any stress dealing with us directly may cause."

Doors on either side of the transport slid back and from inside came armored Ventaar figures. The aliens had an imposing size both in height and build made only more so by the heavy armor that encased them head to toe. Thick tails and dinosaurian like legs accompanied an upright posture. With helmets clasped over their head hiding most of the face save for part of the snout and slitted eyes seen through transparent visors. They did not appear armed but various gear hung off parts of the armor especially near the belts. From the lead vehicle an even taller figure appeared but this one bore no helmet. This one stood a heads height above the others with scales the color of warm gold. Decorative frills served as the aliens ears and were splashed with a deep blue especially along the edges. Green eyes intent as they moved over the crowd.

“My name is Vahri and I am the commander of those assembled to facilitate your relocation. I am happy and honored to help you." She inclined her head in what Adam could only identify as a oddly human like bow. “Please rest assured that we are dedicated to the task of seeing you to your destination as quickly and safely as possible. I and those under my command are open to questions as well as assisting you in loading but please be aware that most of us only have a passing grasp of your language. So be patient and clear in your questions when possible. Those of us with this mark on their shoulder." She tapped a finger to her left shoulder where a gold mark that looked like a stylized sun resided. “Are much better at speaking your language so if needed please speak directly to them. Now we will begin loading with the first transport. Twenty for each transport where possible. Once a transport if full we will move on to the next." Vahri took a few steps to the side and gestured formally to the first transport.

“Well shit." Paul rubbed the back of his neck. “Didn't expect them to be-" He trailed off.

Adam finished, “Polite?"

Paul shock his head. “No, so well spoken. She speaks English better than I do."

“Yeah guess I didn't expect that either." Looking left and right he noticed others hesitating. “Fuck it. Someone's gotta go first."

Adam stepped from the crowd and approached the first transport suitcase in hand. To his relief he heard Paul and Melissa quickly catching up to him. Vahri was back to the transport and speaking to one of the other Ventaar in their own language. As he got close one of the other aliens stepped up and despite its helmet could be heard clearly.

“We take bags. They marked properly? If yes will be lost not."

Adam found himself looking up at the alien and trying to swallow back a sudden surge of fear. Slowly he set his suitcase down. “I thought we would be taking them with us?"

The Ventaar nodded in what was once more an oddly human gesture. “You will have them but decontamination must first. Loaded into cargo transport with all others. Necessary is. Annoyance understand but my orders. Ok?"

From behind Melissa spoke up. “I have some fragile things inside. You will be careful with them?"

“Fragile yes. Careful yes. Importance understand. I take now. Enter transport and move to back. Another help you with seats." The Ventaar paused briefly before adding. “Please."

“Alright, got it." Adam replied.

A couple Ventaar picked up the luggage and carried it off. Adam glad to see that others were approaching the transports now and there seemed to be plenty of Ventaar willing to help.

“So far not bad." Paul commented.

Inside the transport seats lined each side all the way to the back. The seats seemed huge to Adam as they had been designed to accommodate the big armored Ventaar. Some of them folded back against the wall seemingly reserved for the aliens themselves. Storage bins and racks of various kinds built into the walls were all closed. Small lights shimmered here and there accompanied by both holographic and flat screen displays. A large opening in the front led to the drivers compartment in which another Ventaar sat with its helmet off. The big lizard had various shades of green scales that formed a mask over the upper part of its face. It looked up as they entered and grinned showing impressive deadly looking teeth. Frills lifted to full mast and the bluish markings turned into a softer yellow.

“Hello, human!" The Ventaar spoke with a wave of its hand. “Fun to see humans but must take seat! Ride will be smooth."

“Umm, sure, yeah, I will just head down there." Adam walked to the back of the transport and took the end seat. Melissa taking the seat beside him with Paul on the other side of her.

Melissa let out a breath. “Holy shit they are big! Vahri is something like three feet taller than me."

Paul crossed his arms over his chest and grumbled. “Yeah, bug suckers but we knew that. Still its something else to see in person isn't it. I'm surprised no one is panicking. I'm including myself in that."

Adam rubbed the bridge of his own nose and took a nice long calming greath. “I think most everyone is in shock."

Slowly the seats began to fill with various members of the town most of whom he recognized to some degree. He could hear conversations outside as Ventaar and humans spoke. Then other conversations in the growling phonetics of the alien language. Eventually a Ventaar walked down the transport looking everyone over as he did. Speaking up to the driver.

“Full enough. No additional passengers."

The alien turned its attention on Adam and spoke from behind its helm. “Securing harness big. Loose for human. Still work to keep in seat. Me show."

“Well, I can-“ Adam began.

The Ventaar ignored him as it reached down and pulled straps from the seat itself to connect over his chest and lap. Adam felt his face heating as the alien “helped" him. Melissas hardly concealed giggle didn't help much.

“Done! Squeeze center clip to release yes? Good."

The alien moved to Melissa and smiled when he saw she had done up her own harness. “Smart female. More than human males? This normal?"

“Very normal." Melissa smiled while Paul put a hand on his face and sighed.

When the alien moved onto Paul he quickly yanked that hand down and began to put on the harness himself. “I got it. I got it."

As the alien moved on to help the other passengers Adam laughed softly. “Really, Melissa?"

“Hey, why not?" Melissa's smile widened. “I was just confirming what he could clearly see."

“He?" Paul asked.

Adam wrinkled his nose as he remembered. “Yeah, it's the taller ones that are female. I remember reading that So the shorter Ventaar are all male? Wonder if the females are rare or something. I mean, she appears to be the only female on the transport."

Melissa shrugged. “Could just be coincidence."

The doors to the transport slid shut leaving them deprived of outside noise and causing a sudden downturn in conversation. The Ventaar pulled down the folded seats and began to settle in. Their armored tails easily slipping through slots in the back of the chairs.

"Attention passengers!" It was Vahri speaking as she walked down the transport towards Adam and friends. “We are heading out now and the trip should only be a few minutes. It should be a very smooth ride but if anyone feels ill please ask for assistance."

Vahri yanked down the folded seat opposite Adam and settled into place. She fixed her attention on Adam while her frills flared slightly. “You are Adam. Adam Dunn?"

A bit surprised she knew anything about him he tried to straighten in the oversized chair before answering, “Yeah, that's me. How do you know my name?"

“I tried my best to find and study the files of those I am helping move. As there are few people here I did manage to go over what information was available. Facial recognition ran on you while we loaded also assisted me. You most often associate with-“ She paused a moment to turn her eyes on Melissa. “Melissa Clark, and-“ Her gaze moved on to Paul. “Paul Baker. Am I correct?"

“Yeah, that's us." Paul answered.

Melissa frowned. “Seems you might have done a bit more than look up our names if you know who's friends with who."

Vahri growled a strange sort of laugh. “That part I deduced by watching your actions. You entered as a group and so I surmised that you were family or friends and checked. When I found no relation between you I guessed friends. It is also a standard procedure as you will be issued new identification and documentation upon finishing being processed into your new home. So everyone was scanned."

Adam couldn't find any flaw with that. “Yeah, well, guess that makes sense."

He felt the vehicle rise from the street and begin to glide forward. “I hope there was nothing to bad in there. I mean, I figured you would do background checks and things before you even arrived."

“We do, but pre war information can be very spotty. So we try out best to be cautious. We have noted that most the trouble makers in your town fled early. Against out instructions. From their records I doubt anyone minded."

Paul cracked a smile. “No. No not really. I mean you didn't hurt them or anything did you?"

Vahri gave her head a quick shake. “Not at all. Most were placed into stasis to await the proper processing date. Those with strong criminal backgrounds or mental instability were sent to the appropriate hospital or justice center."

“Well... good." Was Pauls only reaction.

Vahri canted her head ever so slightly and one frill flicked down. “But now I am curious. My records show you are also friends with a Mark Thompson who did not show up in any of our scans. Does he no longer live here?"

Adam felt a stab in his heart, “Mark? Yes, we were friends with Mark but he died. Got a really horrible injury just before the invasion. Was sent to a hospital across the country for some operation on his spine. Was some sort of specialist. Then your people arrived and communication vanished. There was no contact for months till someone found a record that he had died in the operation. No additional information. Not even a record of where his body went. Nothing."

Paul fumed at the memory. “Needless to say we were pretty pissed but we all knew that might happen. Just.. All that time hoping you know?"

Melissa crossed her arms and looked away. “He was a good friend. It's not something I like talking about.“

Vahri responded with a low voice. “I see. Well interestingly that does not match our records."

Adam furrowed his brow. “I'm sorry?"

“According to our official records the infantry division that took the city inspected the hospital. One of the medics found the facility incredibly undermanned so he spoke with a superior. You would say he called in a few favors. All critical patients were transferred to a Vitchur class cruiser for immediate treatment. They were then taken out of system to a more appropriate station for full recovery. Your friend Mark was amongst them and is alive and well."

Stunned, Adam watched as Vahri pulled out a tablet like device from a slot on her armor and its screen lit up. She worked her fingers over the pad swiftly and then extended it out to Adam. He took hold of the pad and turned it around to face him.

“Fuck me." He breathed.

On the page was a image of Mark, looking very tired but alive while laying on a bed with the back propped up. Surrounded by strange displays and equipment with a Ventaar who wore a soft blue jumpsuit standing beside the bed examining Mark with some device that seemed strapped to his arm. Melissa reached over and pulled the pad closer to her.

“Hes alive!? Oh crap look at that!" Melissa beamed.

Paul leaned over and took hold of one edge of the pad to pull it even farther. “Holy shit!" He breathed. “All this time? Thats-“

"Will you two stop pulling!" Adam gave up and let his friends have the pad. “Why hasn't he contacted us and when can we see him? Hell, where is he? Still out in space somewhere?"

Vahri's ears flared a moment before dropping close to her skull, “It took months for him to reach his destination and once there he still had to be worked on. Which took another month. After his recovery there was the obvious reaction to his new environment and adapting to the truth of the situation. I will need my data pad back to learn more."

Vahri held out an open hand towards Melissa. Who looked up from the picture and then held the tablet her to take.

“Thank you." Vahri said and then quickly began to manipulate the pad. After a moment she continued. “He did acclimate well and even made some friends. Records indicated he did wish to contact home but politics and the deterioration of earth prevented it. I'm sure none of us here want to talk about those dark months but it must be mentioned a effort was made to try and contact you but it was unsuccessful. After that a decision was made that off world humans would have to wait for friends and family to come up on official Ventaar citizen lists to be contacted. So you will be able to talk to him after your move is complete."

“I cant believe it." Paul said in disbelief. “He really has been alive and were going to be able to talk to him? Fanfuckingtastic. This day turned out damn good after all!"

Adam persisted. “But where is he? I mean, this is beyond good news but I just want to see him."

Vahri inclined her head. “It is a pleasure to deliver such good news. Your friend is still off world but you will be able to see in time. I will head to the front and make sure that arrangements are made for you to contact Mark as soon as possible."

“Sure! That sounds great. Thank you Vahri. Means a lot to me. To all of us." Adam said.

Both Paul and Melissa chimed in with their own thank you's. Vahri's frills shifted to a lighter blue for a moment. “You are welcome. I will see you again after decontamination."

Adam remembered now they had a lot to go through before being able to enter their new home but now it was something to really look forward too. “How long does that take anyways?"

Vahri stood up and slipped her pad back into her armor. A glance towards the front as she answered with frills low to her head again. “It will be over before you know it. Now if you will excuse me."

She headed to the front where she disappeared into the drivers compartment. A moment later a tone sounded twice through some speakers hidden above and a Ventaar's voice was heard.

“Attention passengers we will arrive momentarily. Once we have halted you can remove your harness and exit the transport. Please follow the directions of those outside as they will be taking you directly to decontamination."

Nervous tension filled the air as the vehicle slowed. Melissa spoke softly, “Right. Decontamination. Then what's next again? I know it was in the pamphlet or whatever but its been shocked right out of me."

Adam replied. “Decontamination then to medical for a full checkup. If we get cleared we get sent to the entertainment deck. Or at least thats what it was called. A place we can wait while people are processed. I hope Vahri has more good news after decontamination. I want to speak to Mark soon as we can wherever he is."

The vehicle glided to a stop and the transport doors slid open. He couldn't see Vahri as he exited along with the others but the driver turned to give them waves and say goodbye. Outside he found they were in a large multi storied loading bay with ramps settled to the grass outside. Other transports were entering the bay or already unloaded. The sound of activity from Ventaar and human alike filled the bay. Above them some unarmored Ventaar stood on catwalks and watched the activity below. They all seemed to wear a similar style of blue jumpsuit with markings on their shoulders. The Ventaar who had taken his luggage lead them towards the back of the bay. Gathering them into a group like a tour guide would with a bunch of rowdy tourists before heading off with them through open doors to a short hall with elevators. One quick ride later and he was letting them off onto a different deck with a long central hallway. Doors on either side of the hallway were open and humans were being escorted by blue suited Ventaar into the rooms.

A new Ventaar appeared before him. This one had brown scales with green speckles. “Adam Dunn? Please you and friends come with me."

As they followed the blue suited alien down the hall he introduced himself. “I am Hirdrix. I have heard humans use the shorter term Hir for my name. That is fine. Yes, fine."

He took them into a room farther down from the others. The doors closed behind them and left the three of them alone in the room with the single Ventaar. Inside stood six large cylinder shaped chambers, three to each side, colored dull gray and silver with transparent doors set in the front. The chambers surrounded by equipment that lay flush against them but as the Ventaar tapped a few buttons various panels began to unfold and display screens came to life. A moment later transparent doors hissed softly and snapped outwards before sliding to one side.

“You may strip of clothing when wish. Place your items beside chosen chamber. You have but to step in and decontamination will proceed."

“Thats it?" Adam asked. “I mean. Just step in? Its supposed to be fast right? Does it matter which one we take?"

The alien glanced up from a set of controls along the back wall of the room. His tail twitching and the blue of his frills turned a bit lighter in color. “Yes, easy. Fast. Which doesn't matter."

“Well, alright then." Adam rolled his shoulders in a shrug and winked over at Melissa. “Lets not be shy. Sooner we start the sooner we finish."

“Yeah, lets get this going." Melissa stated before slapping Paul on the ass. Who jumped and rubbed his rump while grumbling something under his breath.

Adam walked towards the first chamber while he pulled off shirt and undid his belt. He let his pants fall and kicked them over beside the chamber door and dropped his shirt atop it. He peered into the featureless chamber before stepping inside. Only then did he pull off his boxers and toss them out onto his clothing pile. Hands snapped down to cover his privates as Melissa peeked in and whistled.

“Awww, so cute when your all red faced!"

Mark set a playful glare on her. “Hey! Cmon now leave me some dignity."

Melissa curled her lip into a oh so fake pout. “Oh alright. Here I was about to show you mine too. I guess I will just have to bug Paul. He's more fun anyways."

With a huff she vanished and he heard a shout from Paul a moment later. Adam couldn't wipe the grin off his face as he imagined Pauls expression. Poor man was even more old fashion than he was and Melissa loved to take advantage of that. The door to his chamber swept back into place and sealed with a hiss. He stepped closer to the door and ran fingers over the metal. He couldn't feel a seam where the transparent door met the rest of the chamber wall. He stepped back, shuffling on the cool floor with bare feet. Left to wait in the total silence with only his breathing as company. Something touched his feet and his attention snapped down to them. From the floor was quickly rising a transparent fluid that clung oddly to his skin. Foot yanked up in surprise and the stuff stuck to him and dripped off in thick lines.

“Um.. Ok. Is this supposed to be happening?"

The Ventaars voice filled the chamber. “Please remain calm. The process will be much easier if you do not resist."

His heart racing at the strange choice of words. “Resist?"

Foot set back down just before he felt a tingle begin to spread up his legs. The tingle followed by penetrating pin pricks wherever the fluid touched.

“Fuck, it stings! The hell?"

The liquid rushed upwards filling the chamber at a rapid rate. Quickly it began coating his legs and along with it the tingles grew more intense. He surged forward in a panic and pounded on the door with a fist hardly making a sound.

“Hey! Hey out there! This hurts!"

He gasped and stepped back as the fluid level reached his hips. The pain made him groan as it swarmed up over genitals and onwards. So quickly the fluid rose that he hardly had time to raise his arms to avoid them being coated as the level reached his chest. He felt his body growing heavy and despite his best efforts his arms sank down to his sides. Shaking as he shouted.

“No! Please! Going to drown!"

He caught sight of movement above him. Thick machine like tentacles swarmed down around him. He screamed as one lashed out at his face and wide bands wrapped around his head. A tube pressed against his mouth and his jaws were slowly forced apart by its wedge like shape. His heavy body began to slip down lacking even the strength to fight against the thing invading him. Tubes pressing down his throat and through his nose as more bands wrapped around his head in a grotesque mask. The fluid reached his neck and his body felt reduced to rubber. His scream muffled by the tubes that filled his throat as legs finally lost the last of their strength and gave out. His head engulfed as he sank under the rising tide. Tingling passed over his eyes and his vision quickly blurred before going dark. His body starting to go numb as he felt something press against his anus and penetrate him. A brief shot of discomfort and humiliation followed by more as something moved over his genitals. Straps sliding around hips as more things pressed into him. He floated in complete quiet, his mind very much alive but his body no longer his to control. The numbness that had started to spread through him continued until he could feel nothing. Even his lungs began to move against his will, following the instructions of whatever had invaded him. A strange warmth seeped through him and fear filled thoughts were drown out by the calming touch. He found himself so sleepy, so very sleepy and in the end he could do nothing but give in.

Pain. He could feel it moving through him, corrupting him. His body twisting from the core outwards as it was molded by invisible hands. Twisted with an oddly loving craftsmanship that he could feel even as his mind balanced somewhere between wakeful understanding and the depths of dreams. Images flashing through scattered thoughts were both terrifying and awe inspiring. Fleeting, gone and never to be remembered.

Pleasure. He felt such peace. Floating in a warm sea with not a care in the world. He had only to let his mind be open to the alien thoughts he felt floating through him. It was safe here in this new world and he accepted all it brought him. Odd sensations of joy and belonging flickered through him blending with the pain. Creating a strange symphony of that made him long for more.

Awareness returned with a spark of annoyance. His dreams disrupted by the pressure of reality as the comforting warmth of his prison began to drain away. Cool air touched his body and he shivered against it. He did not wish to leave the comfort of his dreams but the choice clearly was not his to make. He felt his feet touch the floor and as more fluid drained away the more he was forced to stay upright on his own. Unable to maintain his balance he sagged against the back of the chamber and opened his eyes. Vision nothing but a blur of color and shapes. Teeth bore down on the annoying tubes that filled him and he could see the dull shapes of thick dark cords still attached to the thing that masked his face.

Memory began to return and with that clarity came a surge of anger, of rage. Shaky hand lifted to the thick tubes and he managed to give them a tug but that only brought intense discomfort. The chamber nearly empty he leaned forward and beat his fist on the transparent door. Again and again he pounded on the door making it sing under the impact. The mask around his face loosened and he felt the straps long the back of his head peel away as tubes shrank within his body. He once more gripped the mask and this time the tubes eased smoothly from him when he pulled. He threw the thing aside and leaned against the door coughing and hacking. The other devices locked around his genitals loosened and smoothly pulled back on their own. Surges of discomfort followed by waves of relief as once more his body was his own. Briefly he relished the feeling but his anger was quick to return. With a shout he started to pound on the door once more.

“Let me out!" His throat felt raw and the sound of his own voice so distant. “Let me out you motherfuckers!"

The door snapped outwards and to the side swiftly. Leaving him to stumble and fall out of the strange chamber. Catching himself with his palms against the floor just before he smashed his face against it. He could hear someone speaking to him but the words sounded smudged. A shake of his head before pushing to his feet. His hearing came to a sudden acute focus.

“-Still!" It was Hirdrix. The Ventaar who had placed him in that chamber in the first place!

“You!" He spat and clumsily lunged at the figure. Hand wrapped around Hir's neck and he slammed the lizard against the wall. “What have you done to me!"

He could feel the alien gripping his arm, pulling on it. The voice coming with a wheeze. “Wait! Calm down!"

He felt fear in that voice and it excited him. To know this supposedly superior species feared him. “Fuck you! What have you done to my friends to-“

He stopped as vision cleared to crystal clarity and he found himself not just staring at the alien but the strange hand wrapped around the Ventaars neck. With a rush of shock he realized it was his own. Adam pulled that hand away and took a stumbling step back as he stared at it. Slowly he turned it over and flexed the fingers. The hand, no longer human, was coated in fur and fitted with canine like pads along the underside. Short, dark claws capping the fingers instead of fingernails.

“I don't.. I.. “ He stumbled over words. Looking up from his hand to the arm and followed that to his chest. All coated in fur that wetly clung to his body. He touched one hand to another, paw pads rubbing against one another, trailing short claws through his fur. He looked down over his chest to see a stout sheath set above furry balls and below that animal like legs with canine style feet. Hands slide over his face and found it had chanced to a bestial shape with snout and pointed ears that pinned back as hands slid over them.

“What in the.. I don't.. This cant be real?"

A familiar voice came from behind him, “Very real, Adam."

Vahri! He turned to face her as she stepped into the room covered in the same armor he had seen her in before but now wearing her helmet. She snapped at Hirdrix. “Leave!"

The rush of anger returned and it was fixed on her. Hardly noticing the other Ventaar scurry around him and out the door. “What have you done to me? This isn't me! I'm a monster!"

With the door closing behind her she reached over to the control panel and worked it briefly before stepping closer to him. “You are no monster Adam. You are a Changed."

“The fuck does that mean?!" He reached up to his head with a hand. Gripping it as he struggled to focus through a wave of dizziness that hit him. She started walking towards him and he took a step back in an effort to keep distance between them. “I don't know what you have done to me but I should pull you apart! Decontamination my ass!"

“Try it." She replied and smiled a deadly smile.

He felt a twitch roll through his body at her challenge. Anger drove him to accept and he rushed forward to lunge at her. She stepped to the side and his fingers only managed to slide across the front of her helmet. He found himself on the floor and before he could think of how he got there her boot was felt on his back. Driving him down to pin him there.

“Get the fuck off me!" He shouted as he tried to twist from under her boot. Vahri's hand snapped down and gripped his snout, holding his jaws shut with her armored fingers. He tugged at her wrist but she ignore him. A whimper rising unbidden as her fingers dug in.

“Listen to me." She said with calm. “There is a great deal you need to learn but for now I will start with a few basic rules. First, you're a wolf now. A simple enough name for your species but fitting. Second, your mine. Chosen as my pet, my slave and whatever other title I chose to use. Third, yes your friends were changed as was nearly everyone from your town. You and your friends were kept separate at my request or I should say, Mark's. As this was actually his idea."

Adam's eyes widened and he released her wrist. That was a lot to take in but one part in particular caught his attention the most. As she released her grip on his snout he reached up to rub it and finally asked.

“Marks idea?"

“Yes." She replied

“So he's really alive and he wanted you to do this to us? That cant be true."

She hissed down at him. “Of course not, don't be a fool. He's alive and didn't want this done to you. He did want to make sure I selected you for personal ownership so you could be reunited. He's a wolf under my command, just like you are now. The stories I told of him are all true. I just left out the part where he volunteered to become a wolf."

“Volunteered?" He felt lips peel pack in a snarl. “I wont believe that! Who would volunteer for this?"

An exasperated snap of teeth from her and she reached down to give him a swat stop his head. “Annoying pup! Why would I lie about that!?"

“Ouch, hey!" He tried to cover his head but she flicked the tip of his ear. “Shit! Will you stop that! Just get off me already!"

Glaring down at him as she spoke. “I went through a great deal of trouble to acquire you and your friends. Had I not done so you would already be in integration with people far less kind than I handling your processing. As for why he volunteered that is for him to tell. Which he will as soon as you get your furry ass up and ready to go. He's waiting just outside the ship for all three of you. Now hold still, pup!"

He felt something slide around his neck and he quickly reached up to try and stop her. “The fuck is that?"

Hands were met with sharp swats which left fingers stinging and he yanked them away with a yelp. He felt the thing tighten around his neck and a click followed. Whatever it was adjusted to a snug grip.

“Get up." She said.

Her boot lifted from his back and she stepped aside. He gathered his strength and pushed from the floor. Taking a moment to move new legs into position and started to rise with a little wobble. Once upright he grabbed the thing around his neck and it became all to clear.

“A collar?" He tugged it and a jolt flowed through his body. Hands yanked away from the thing and he yelped once more.

“Careful. It doesn't like to be tampered with." She said with a toothy smile.

He took a moment to breath and started to reach for it again, only to stop himself. He grit his teeth but found himself unable to hold onto his anger. It along with his strength seemed to be draining away. “I feel like I should be freaking out a lot more."

She walked around him slowly, her voice calm. “Your in shock and you have been given a dose of suppression drugs. In your case you don't seem to have been given enough. There is also mental conditioning involved."

“Conditioning? The dreams.. " He looked down at himself again and shivered but finally faced her with a growl. “You did this to everyone? Even the children and the elderly?"

“Children and their parents were spared. Elderly were not but the process of becoming a wolf gives them a new chance at life."

He found himself looking at his hands again and a strange sensation moved through him. His body had felt detached even numb in some ways. Raw sensation tore through that and left him acutley aware of hid body. The damp fur clinging to his skin. Hints of pain from his experience with her so far. His expanded feeling came with expanded understanding of himself and awareness of a appendage he had missed until now. He reached back and gripped the base of his tail which froze when he focused on it. The sensation of having a tail were made more surreal by how natural It felt to have it.

He turned his head to look back at that tail and contemplated it before stating. “I'm wet."

Vahri's laugh was surprisingly musical, “Yes, we should get you cleaned of that annoying birthing fluid shouldn't we. The shower is this way."

He wanted to resist, to fight, to shout at her for shoving a shock collar around his neck like some rabid animal. That anger that had come so quickly at birth eluded him now. He felt drained of will. Besides, what would be the point? It would accomplish nothing. If she was being truthful then this would reunite him with an old friend who had actually volunteered for this strange transformation. He couldn't think of what to do so for now he just obeyed.

Part of what she said stuck with him. “Wait. What did you mean? New chance at life?"

She walked to the back of the room and swept her hand over a portion of the wall and holographic control panels appeared. A brief manipulation of them and a section of the wall slid away. Beyond was a room with medical beds surrounded by more displays and square glass chambers along the wall with handled doors.

“The process of becoming a wolf has the effect of altering your biological clock. They, and you, are all born at roughly the age of seventeen. Give or take a year." She motioned to one of the square chambers in the other room. “That's a shower. Go on. I set it so you can use it. You will understand how."

It was hard to accept what she was telling him. He was young again? They all were? He couldn't believe that was possible but he also couldn't think of a reason she would lie about it. Wiping a hand over his now slightly sticky chest as he joined her in the other room. Whatever this was in his fur was starting to dry in a bad way and he wanted it gone so he offered no argument about the shower. The shower was roomy and as he stepped inside a panel display appeared along the back wall. He stared at the controls as a new fact slowly sunk in.

“Wait, hold on! How the hell am I able to read this? It isn't English."

“It's Ventaar." She smirked and added. “The same language you have been speaking since you were born."

“That isn't-“ He froze up when the sounds coming out of his mouth didn't match what he expected. “Holy shit! How?"

Vahri merely smiled as she settled into a chair to watch him. “Partly from mental conditioning. Mostly from a implant in your head. Don't worry you can still speak your original language we have simply added a few more."

“Oh." Adam ran fingers over his head and down to the back of his neck feeling nothing but wet fur clinging to his skin. Finally he bumped his collar and yanked his hand away not wanting another jolt. Suddenly very aware of it again he resisted the urge to touch it and instead gave the controls his attention. He tapped a few buttons and the shower kicked on. Hosing him down from all sides in warm water. He lifted his arms and turned slowly to get himself deeply soaked. It felt wonderful and he could feel his tail waving slowly behind him.

“Starting to feel better?" Vahri asked and even with his back turned he could hear the smile in her voice.

“Yes. Fuck you. Do you have to watch?" He stated.

“I don't have to but I am going to." She replied and then pulled out a small device at her hip. She wiggled it at him and then slowly pressed her thumb down on a button. A little shock raced through him and a high pitched yip left his jaws.

Ears folded back while he glared at her. “What was that for?"

“Language. Be nice, pup."

A snarl as he straightened. “So that's how its going to be? Shock me whenever I speak out? That how you treat Mark?"

“Oh no, Marks has quite a bit of freedom, but don't let a little shock hold you back wolf. It will teach you proper manners but unless you do something truly stupid you wont ever feel more than a sting."

“I'm sure." The shower switched from spraying water to blowing warm air. Once more he turned and lifted his arms. Giving his whole body a shake while he was at it.

Vahri got out of her chair and walked over to the partly open shower. Holding out a brush to him. “Here, take this."

He took the brush from her and stared at it a moment. “Oh right, guess this will be a bit more time consuming than combing hair."

“Not to much more, but yes." After a moment she prodded him lightly, “Well go on. Your fur isn't going to brush itself."

He put brush to chest fur and stroked downwards which brought a host of new sensations. Discovering that touching fur and having fur were two different things. He repeated the action with a bit more confidence. “I still cant believe its real. I mean, I know its real. I can feel it and everything but I'm brushing my own fur. Drugs or not I really should be freaking out more."

She stepped into the shower with him and produced another brush as she stepped behind him. Beginning to quickly work at his fur with it. “Your underestimating yourself. You had a strong mind as a human and a even stronger one now. Within a few days you will go from being a frightened pup to a eager warrior."

The brushing was relaxing and her helping made him tingle in a new way. He found himself leaning back just a little but stopped himself and growled.

“Holy hell. I'm so confused. I mean, I should hate you right?"

“Why? Because I did this to you? Don't be silly. I am of the soldier caste, Mark. While I do have some power I am only a single person. I don't have near enough influence to order any human to be placed into the Changed program. Its all part of a system designed years ago by people who were preparing for Earth's invasion years before that. You don't have to like it Adam but you're here now and there is no going back. Best to listen to your instincts and try to fit in and make a life for yourself. I can be a friend to you just as I have Mark."

“I think I will reserve judgement for when I talk to him." He grumbled.

“That is a very good idea." She replied and then lightly swatted his ass with the back of the brush. “Your not brushing. Don't make me do this alone."

He fell silent, once more lost in thought as he began to brush himself. He relaxed as , together, they worked over his fur from top to bottom. Even gingerly going over genitals. A shiver as she gently took hold of his tail by its base to brush it.

“I feel stupid for this but.. Why don't I feel naked?"

“Normally that's one of the first things that a new wolf notices. A lack of modesty. Took you a while. I rather like that."

A growl as he turned his head to look back at her. “Very funny. I take it this is normal then? Am I to prance about nude all the time?"

“Its normal yes but you wont be nude all the time, just sometimes. There is a very popular club where wolves are entered into wrestling matches. Which they do nude. Its very entertaining for everyone involved."

“Oh yes, being put into a dog fight sounds great." Ears flattened and he went back to brushing.

She paused brushing his tail to give it a little tug. “Don't worry, I will put you into the pup matches first. You wear muzzles and mittens so you really cant hurt each other."

Eyes widened he looked back at her again, “You cant be serious."

She leaned in to growl into his ear. “Guess you will have to wait and see wont you." She dropped the brush and slipped back around him. Finger curling up into a leash ring on his collar and pulled him along with her. As they left the shower the stream of warm air stopped and the panel inside dimmed. Only when they reached the far wall did he slip her finger from his leash ring.

“We need to awaken your friends. You being here will help them through it but first you should see yourself."

She ran her hands over a few controls fitted against the wall. Watching her work he found he understood what she was doing. Accessing projections systems to display images. Going through image libraries to find his file and set it to display. A flicker of light before his image condensed into reality near the center of the room. His figure a tall fur coated biped that strongly resembled a wolf, but this was no clumsy and salivating movie werewolf. This figure stood straight with a powerful build sheathed in a fine coat of fur. The fur a mix of dark gray over his entire body with lower legs turning pitch black and a matching black mask over the top of his snout. Black dipped tail swaying casually behind him. Chest moved with deep breathing and his jaws were slightly parted to display tips of deadly teeth. Tall pointed ears perched atop his head with vivid amber eyes behind his powerful jaws. Between legs a set of balls hung with a sheath above it.

“Son of a bitch. That's me? I look..." One ear flicked back and his tail waved slowly behind him. Body speaking while words failed him.

“That's you and yes you do look rather sexy don't you." Vahri replied and stepped up beside him. “Now, are you ready to work with me? To help your two friends into their new life? If you don't think your ready I wont make you."

“Oh no, I will help." He never took his eyes off that image. “I wont abandon them. I cant."

He felt her hand lay briefly on his shoulder. “I knew you wouldn't. Come, wolf. The faster we get this done the faster you can see Mark again. He has some surprises for all three of you."

Adam didn't turn from his own image. He touched his own teeth, drawing a finger pad down the long fangs in his mouth. A part of him had hoped this was somehow a dream and that he would wake up in his crappy home with his crappy job. This image of his new self was the final blow to that illusion. Leaving him grounded in a reality he couldn't deny.

Vahri called from the door back into the other room. Where his friends waited in their birthing chambers. “Adam?"

“Coming." He tore his eyes away from his image and quickly joined her. He had friends that needed his help and stupidly denying what had happened would change nothing. In the end he took the only course of action he had.

Acceptance.